Atwater v. City of Lago Vista

The question is whether the Fourth Amendment forbids, n warrantless arrest for a minor criminal offense, such as a misdemeanor seatbelt violation punishable only by a fine. We hold that it does nbt.

I

A

In Texas, if a ear is equipped with safety belts, a front-seat passenger must wear one, Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 545.413(a) (1999), and the driver must secure any small child riding in front, § 545.413(b). Violation of either provision is "a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not less than $25 or more than $50.” § 545.413(d). Texas law expressly authorizes “[a]ny peace officer [to] arrest without…